Best fights of Dingaan Thobela
Over 17 years as a professional, Dingaan Thobela has compiled a 20-14-1 (13) record, including 15 title fights across four weight classes. Here are his top 10 best fights.
1. Dingaan Thobela defeats Tony Lopez in their 2nd fight
On June 26, 1993 Dingaan Thobela fought Tony Lopez for the WBA lightweight title. It was their second meeting. Thobela was 26 years old with a record of 8-1, and Lopez was 30 with a record of 42-3-1. Thobela was coming off a loss, while Lopez was on a 5-fight winning streak. Thobela won via unanimous decision. Crowned the new lightweight champion.
2. Dingaan Thobela KOs Glenn Catley
On September 1, 2000 Dingaan Thobela fought Glenn Catley for the vacant WBC super middleweight title. Thobela was 33 years old with a record of 19-7-1, and Catley was 0 with a record of 0-0. Thobela was coming off a win. Thobela stopped Glenn Catley via KO in the 12th round. Won the vacant title.
3. Dingaan Thobela KOs Adrian Walter Daneff
On March 6, 1999 Dingaan Thobela fought Adrian Walter Daneff for the vacant IBO welterweight title. Thobela was 32 years old with a record of 17-6-1, and Daneff was 0 with a record of 0-0. Thobela stopped Adrian Walter Daneff via TKO in the 7th round. Won the vacant title.
4. Dingaan Thobela defeats Mario Martínez
On March 2, 1991 Dingaan Thobela defended his WBO lightweight title against Mario Martínez. Thobela was 24 years old with a record of 3-0, and Martínez was 25 with a record of 48-7-2. Thobela was on an undefeated 3-fight winning streak, while Martínez was coming off a loss. Thobela won via unanimous decision. Defended the title.
5. Dingaan Thobela defeats Antonio Rivera
On September 14, 1991 Dingaan Thobela defended his WBO lightweight title against Antonio Rivera. Thobela was 24 years old with a record of 5-0, and Rivera was 0 with a record of 0-0. Thobela was on an undefeated 5-fight winning streak. Thobela won via unanimous decision. Defended the title.
6. Dingaan Thobela loses to Tony Lopez via unanimous decision
On February 12, 1993 Dingaan Thobela fought Tony Lopez for the WBA lightweight title. Thobela was 26 years old with a record of 8-0, and Lopez was 29 with a record of 41-3-1. Thobela was on an undefeated 8-fight winning streak and Lopez was on a 4-fight winning streak. Thobela lost via unanimous decision. Failed to capture the title. Went the distance with Lopez.
7. Dingaan Thobela defeats Mauricio Aceves in their 2nd fight
On September 22, 1990 Dingaan Thobela fought Mauricio Aceves for the vacant WBO lightweight title. It was their second meeting. Thobela was 23 years old with a record of 2-0, and Aceves was 0 with a record of 0-0. Thobela was on an undefeated 2-fight winning streak. Thobela won via split decision. Won the vacant title.
8. Dingaan Thobela defeats Soon Botes
On February 19, 2000 Dingaan Thobela fought Soon Botes for the vacant South African super middleweight title. Thobela was 33 years old with a record of 18-7-1, and Botes was 0 with a record of 0-0. Thobela was coming off a loss. Thobela won via majority decision. Won the vacant title.
9. Dingaan Thobela KOs Andreas Panayi
On February 11, 1995 Dingaan Thobela faced Andreas Panayi. Thobela was 28 years old with a record of 9-4, and Panayi was 0 with a record of 0-0. Thobela was on a 3-fight losing streak. Thobela stopped Andreas Panayi via TKO in the 2nd round.
10. Dingaan Thobela KOs Kenny Vice
On May 6, 1995 Dingaan Thobela faced Kenny Vice. Thobela was 28 years old with a record of 10-4, and Vice was 0 with a record of 0-0. Thobela was coming off a win. Thobela stopped Kenny Vice via TKO in the 2nd round.